[C38] Twin Disc direct replacement for Hurth or ZF tranmissions

Tue Sep 27 12:35:48 EDT 2011

Yes, I would second the linkage adjustment point. While purchasing the
boat, we had throttle cable replaced and the supposedly competent
mechanic suggested also doing the shift linkage at the same time. After this
repair, Reverse engaged normally for a bit, but then began having trouble
when it was cold. As engine/trans warmed it would engage. Forward was fine.
Drove me nuts. Turned out the adjustment was incorrect, and it didnt quite
push the plates far enough to engage, but enough to burn up the
clutches/plates. It was a lot of work getting tranny out, even after
removing the fuel tank. Worst part was getting drive flange off of shaft,
even with a puller. Had the tranny rebuilt by local marine/auto trans shop
to support local economy. Also was concerned about the confusing issue of a
different gear ratio on new tranny and whether I would also have to reset
the max prop. Tranny seems to work fine over the last two seasons, although
I have my doubts about the quality of the shop for other reasons. If
you want some interesting reading try the shop manual for the ZF
transmission and try to figure out how power gets from your motor to
the shaft and what happens when you shift.  Good luck.

On Tue, Sep 27, 2011 at 10:10 AM, Chuck Finn <charles at finn.ws> wrote:

> Max,
> I just checked with my folks and got confirmation from Technodrive in
> Italy.  This tranny uses ATF.   Anything else voids the warranty.  You
> should also know  it is important to adjust the linkage correctly for
> forward gear.  There have been problems with them wearing out after a year
> or so if they are not fully engaged.
>
> Chuck
>
>
> On 9/21/2011 1:02 PM, Max Soto wrote:
>
> Hey Chuck,
> We are on the same page her...
> I just checked the manual from my friends transmission, guess what! It's a
> Technodrive twin disc unit. This one is the 60 model (Hurth hbw125
> replacement) and the cost was $1260. The 40 is $980 at Transmission Marine
> in Fourt Lauderdale. This is by far the cheapest place that I have found for
> transmissions and parts.  Www. Marinegears.com <http://marinegears.com/>
> Regards, max
>
> Sent from my iPod
>
> On Sep 19, 2011, at 7:14, Chuck Finn <charles at finn.ws> wrote:
>
>  *Max,
> This looks very much like the Beta Marine transmission I installed this
> summer!  TECHNODRIVE Twin Disc TMC 40 P transmission, NEW: US $1,098.00
> from http://soundmarinediesel.com/transmissions.shtml
> My original Hurth ZF failed last summer and I had it rebuilt.  Whole job
> cost about $3000 and took more than a month.  It failed again this summer
> with less than 40 hours total on the transmission.    I don't know whether
> the second failure  was due to a bad rebuild or shoddy workmanship by
> Shelburne Boatyard (of the 8 bolts that hold the transmission to the engine,
> 3 were so loose they were removed without a wrench).  Our webmaster (Anders)
> removed the Hurth transmission the second time around and it took him 45
> minutes.
>
> I did have problems with the original Beta transmission sent (it would not
> reliably shift into forward), but the folks at sound marine diesel were so
> accommodating that despite having to switch it out I would still recommend
> them.  They spent a couple hours on the phone with me and even sent the
> replacement without charging me for having two of their transmissions in my
> possession  (I wanted the replacement on hand so I could change it out when
> I had the time).
> You should also be aware there is a 1/4 inch difference in the height of
> these transmissions.  For those of us keeping the 5424, this requires we
> lower the engine a 1/4 inch.  This can be challenging, given where our motor
> mounts are and the fact most folks will find the nuts and threads are in
> rough shape.  Speaking of motor mounts!  I highly recommended that you
> change out your motor mounts and install a flex coupler when changing the
> transmission!  You can pretty much bet your motor mounts need replacing
> after 10 years and some engine manufacturers recommend half that time.
> Another reason to change your motor mounts during transmission work is there
> is a lot more room back there to work without the transmission in the way
> and it takes about 40 pounds off the motor lift.
> And don't let a boatyard tell you you need to pull the boat to do this!  I
> paid for three lifts ($900) because Shelburne Boatyard insisted this was
> necessary. They said the prop shaft would have to be removed to make room.
> After disconnecting the drive shaft coupling, put a hose clamp on the end of
> the shaft and slide it back until there is enough room to work on the
> transmission  (the hose coupling ensures you don't accidentally let the
> shaft slide out of the boat).
>
> Yes, Steve, I need to write this up as a tech article!
>
> Chuck Finn
> Mighty Quinn  #114
> Great Lakes**
> ***
>
> **
>
> On 9/18/2011 10:12 PM, Max Soto wrote:
>
>
> Hi everybody,
>
> For those who are planning to replace the Hurth HBW100 or newer ZF  M10
> from the Universal 5424, M35 and  25XP series, according to some marine
> engine manufacturers and some forums, these new ZF trannys are now half as
> strong and reliable as our old long lasting Hurths....
> I was told that the place that makes all the internals is not the same and
> this is what made the huge difference.
>  When I was quoting, I was told by the engine sales person  to buy the
> bobtail engine and install my old transmission instead of the new ZF10 that
> they use, or go to the new Twin Disc MG340.  The twin disc MG340 is the
> right replacement for our engines, and is what Phasor MArine and Betamarine
> are recommending now after so many problems with  customers that were using
> ZF10....
> They share the same foot print, shaft and coupling measures, so,  same
> damper plate and bellhousing adaptor can be used. Engine just has to be
> raised 5mm and shifting cable routed to port of the tranny,  and that's it.
> They are supposed to be stronger and more reliable. Plus, they are a few
> bucks cheaper.  I know it because I just bought one for a friend with a
> Perkins engine...
>
> http://www.twindisc.com/MarineProducts/MarineTransSeries_mg_340.html
>
> Again, this is just what I have been told, but after checking some forums,
> it appears to be true..... If planning to go this way, please do your own
> research... But hopefully, this will help some of you..
>
> Regards,
>
> Max Soto
> C38 #198 ESTANCIA
> Puntarenas, Costa Rica
>
>
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